I
teach from my studio in Chislehurst. The classes are fun and relaxed
and help to develop self-expression and self-confidence, a confidence
that is not limited to the pupil’s art work but spreads to school
work generally.
Many children stay with the class for several years, as the themes
and projects we cover change every term. Each term culminates in an
art exhibition and in-depth discussion of the term’s work.
Nursery Classes
I take classes of six three and four year olds. Parents may stay with
their children until the new pupil has settled in; but the children
tend to do better when they become independent. Each session lasts
forty-five minutes. During each session we do two or three projects.
These will encompass drawing, painting and cutting & pasting based
on a common theme. We also talk about the basic language of art and
design: shape, colour, texture and pattern.
Primary Classes
I teach the whole primary age range in single classes. Up to twelve
children at a time, with ages ranging from Reception to Year 6, have
sessions lasting one hour and a quarter. Each term we create 2-D and
3-D work. In the course of a year the children are taught watercolour,
papier mache, pastels, print-making and ceramics. I link the work
to a relevant artist, and have the children listen to the music of
a specific composer.
Secondary Classes
The classes are very lively. The students experiment with blockprinting,
ceramics, silk-screening, textiles and paintings, all firmly based
on observational drawing. The students come from numerous local secondary
schools.
